J. Crew Group reached an agreement with its lenders holding approximately 71% of its term loan and approximately 78% of its IPCo notes, as well as with its financial sponsors, under which the company will restructure its debt and deleverage its balance sheet. Under the terms of the transaction support agreement (TSA), J. Crew’s lenders will convert approximately $1.65 billion of the company’s debt into equity.
To facilitate the restructuring contemplated by the TSA, the parent company of J.Crew Group, Chinos Holdings, and certain affiliates, filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Existing lenders Anchorage Capital Group, GSO Capital Partners and Davidson Kempner Capital Management committed to provide a $400 million debtor-in-possession financing facility and exit financing to J. Crew/Chines Holdings. Subject to court approval, the DIP financing and J. Crew’s projected cash flow will support the company’s operations during the restructuring process.
As part of the TSA, Madewell will remain part of J.Crew Group. Libby Wadle will continue in her role as CEO of Madewell.
“This agreement with our lenders represents a critical milestone in the ongoing process to transform our business with the goal of driving long-term, sustainable growth for J.Crew and further enhancing Madewell’s growth momentum,” Jan Singer, CEO of J.Crew Group, said. “Throughout this process, we will continue to provide our customers with the exceptional merchandise and service they expect from us, and we will continue all day-to-day operations, albeit under these extraordinary COVID-19-related circumstances. As we look to reopen our stores as quickly and safely as possible, this comprehensive financial restructuring should enable our business and brands to thrive for years to come.”
“J.Crew and Madewell are two classic American brands with deeply loyal customers,” Kevin Ulrich, CEO of Anchorage Capital Group, said. “We look forward to supporting Jan, Libby and the management team to recognize their full potential. The significant deleveraging contemplated by this agreement, coupled with J.Crew Group’s strategy to strengthen its robust e-commerce platform to drive continued growth in its direct-to-consumer segment, will position the company for future success.”
J.Crew/Chinos Holdings filed a series of customary “first day” motions with the bankruptcy court seeking to maintain the company’s operations during the restructuring process.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges is serving as legal counsel, Lazard is serving as investment banker and AlixPartners is serving as restructuring advisor to J.Crew Group. Anchorage Capital Group and other members of an ad hoc committee are represented by Milbank as legal counsel and PJT Partners as investment banker.
J.Crew Group is an omni-channel retailer of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, shoes and accessories.
